Likewise...

Likewise, he said: Allah may have mercy on His servant who does good between himself and his wife; because, verily, Allah has given him authority upon her and has made him her protector. According to the Islamic shari `ah, it is highly emphasized that a man should enter his home with smiling face. The home may become paradise if this rule is followed consciously, In the section 25 it was mentioned that the "most honoured woman" is the one who is obedient to her husband.

The above-mentioned ahadith show that the "best man" is the one who treats his wife gently and with good grace. In other words, these ahadith fully explain the ayah. And women have rights similar to the rights upon them. (Qur'an, 2:228) 32. RIGHT OF MAINTENANCE In many ayat in the Qur'an, Allah has exhorted man to treat his wife gently. Apart from the above-mentioned ayat , another ayah says: . . . And live with them (women) with kindness and equity . . .

(Qur'an, 4:19) "Good treatment" according to the ahadith means that the wife should be provided, as far as possible, the same standard of living which she had in the house of her parents; so that she does not face material discomfort and mental depression. But if the husband, because of his limited resources, is unable to provide that standard, he is not to be blamed. . . . On the wealthy according to his means; and on the poor according to his means . . .

(Qur'an, 2:236) al-Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said: The dependants of a man are his prisoners. And the most beloved servant in presence of Allah is the one who is the best in treating his prisoners. Likewise, al-Imam Musa al-Kazim (a. s.) said: The dependants of a man are his prisoners. So, if Allah bestows someone with His blessings, he should increase the expenses on his prisoners; and if he did not do so, then that blessing is likely to perish.

According to the shari `ah, maintenance of the wife is in exchange for her obedience. If she does not deny the husband his conjugal rights, she is entitled to her meaintenance. If the husband, because of his financial difficulties, defaults in its provision, he remains indebted to that amount; and must repay soon after getting money etc. In short, the maintenance of - the wife is based on a "give and take" basis, and man has to pay it anyhow.

al-Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said: "Cursed is the man who neglects his dependants." 33. FOREBEARANCE As was mentioned earlier, women's feelings dominate their intellect.